The Matenadaran, Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts

Matenadaran is a center for the preservation and study of ancient manuscripts and documents, and one of the richest manuscript repositories in the world. It possesses one of the largest collections of manuscripts and medieval books globally. It houses around 23,000 manuscripts, protective scrolls (hmailner), fragments, and 300,000 archival documents. Every year, the Matenadaran welcomes about 500,000 visitors. It is the largest repository of Armenian manuscript codices. It was established in 1921 on the foundation of the Echmiadzin Matenadaran, which dated back to the 5th century, making it the first scientific research institution in Armenia. It was previously called the Institute of Cultural History. In 1997, the Matenadaran was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Today, it is considered "one of the most important sites for the preservation and development of national memory."

Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, 53, Yerevan

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